Austrian Road Bike Tour: Salzburgerland & Grossglockner

Stretching eastward from the romantic and historic city of Salzburg, lies the Salzkammergut: a region that comprises the northern part of the Austrian Lake District to the southern peaks of the Dachstein mountain range. It’s a wonderful mix of rolling hills, green meadows and views of the peaks in the distance. Best of all however, it is a fantastic region for cycling. In Situ’s Austrian Bike Tour starts out in the lakeside town of Fuschl am See and for the the first three days, we warm up our legs with gorgeous rides on small roads, though meadows and along lakes. Midway through our week we cycle south, over the scenic and challenging Postalmstrasse to the town of Sankt Johann im Pongau. It is from here that we are in a position to tackle the biggest climb of our week: the infamous Grossglockner. The Grossglockner is Austria’s highest and most famous Alpine road with 36 switchbacks and a cobblestone section reaching a 12% grade!

BIKE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring the small and lightly traveled farm roads of the Salzburgerland
- Riding alongside scenic lakes, meadows, and lush forests
- Conquering the 36 switchbacks and cobblestones of the Grossglockner climb
- Enjoying the regional cuisine, including freshly made, local cheeses
- Relaxing post ride with a massage or indulging in the hotel’s sauna

QUICK FACTS
- Challenging cycling routes for avid cyclists
- 100% GPS routes (bike GPS provided for your use during trip).
- Four Star Accommodations
- Most Meals Included (breakfast every day, some lunches, and most dinners)
- Fully supported / guided tour with van and trip leader(s)
- No shuttling required to/from the ride. You can always ride door to door if you wish. Van support always an option too.
- Small groups (max 10) for a more personalized experience
- Maximum flexibility of when you travel. You pick the dates you'd like to go and we arrange it for you.

BIKE TOUR OVERVIEW AND DAILY ITINERARY
The Salzburgerland is a beautiful and dramatic landscape, formed from receding glaciers millennia earlier. Farmhouses dot the countryside with window boxes full of colorful geraniums and fields of apple and pear trees. This is where we begin our week on the shores of Lake Fuschl: the rides are rolling and scenic with a few steep sections, but generally a perfect terrain to warm up our legs for the week. If you’re looking for something more challenging, the latter half of the week will be sure to delight you. We cycle away from Fuschl, southward towards the Dachstein mountains and the foothills of the Alps. We ascend the beautiful Postalmstrasse, through Austria’s largest meadowlands. From our new base in St.Johann im Pongau, we climb not only the Dientnersattel, but also the legendary Grossglockner. Our lodging choices highlight Austrian hospitality and allow you to relax and unwind after a day on the bike.

DAY 1
You’ll meet your trip leaders in Salzburg, before a private shuttle to our hotel in Fuschl am See. After assembling your bikes, we’ll take a ride in the surrounding hills and along the lakes to get ready for the week ahead. There will be an evening cocktail reception at which you’ll meet your fellow travelers and discuss the trip itinerary. We’ll then sit down to dinner as a group. Ride: 30 km (18 miles) with 590 m (1936 feet) of climbing

DAY 2
Our first full day of riding is a mix of rolling farmland, lakes and hilly forests. Following closely in the footsteps of a local favorite race, the Eddy Merckx Classic, we’ll ride a loop to the north, around the Zellersee then up and around the Grabensee, before returning southward to Fuschl am See. It’s a fantastic day to take in the bucolic landscape dotted with lakes, meadows and farmhouses. Perhaps after your ride, enjoy a massage or dip your feet in the lake, located just beside our hotel. Dinner will be together in town. Ride: 117 km (73 miles) with 1640 m (5,381 feet) of climbing.

DAY 3
A “tour of the lakes”, today’s ride could also be called. Starting out at our hotel on the Fuschlsee (“Fuschl Lake”), we also explore the following lakes: Irrsee, Attersee, Mondsee and Wolfgangsee, frequently using small little farming roads. The last third of today’s loop is perhaps the most challenging, so be sure to leave a little in the legs for the ride home. You’ll be dining on your own tonight. We’ll give you a list of suggestions, depending what you’re in the mood for. Ride: 135 km (84 miles) with 2055 m (6742 feet) of climbing.

DAY 4
Climbing the Postalmstrasse, is a highlight of today’s route. We’ll be saying goodbye to our hotel in Fuschl and then ride south over the Postalmstrasse. But the climbing isn’t done quite yet. Farther down the route, we ascend to St. Martin am Tennengebirge and then continue on to our home for the next three nights, Sankt Johann im Pongau. After checking into the hotel, perhaps explore town or relax poolside before we dine together as a group for dinner. Ride: 107 km (66 miles) with 2148 m (7047 feet) of climbing.

DAY 5
Today will the be highlight of the week for many of our guests: we ride Austria’s highest road, the Grossglockner. The first kilometers of our route pass quickly as we ride more or less flat along the Salzach River valley. In the town of Bruck, the climbing starts in earnest. The Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse (“high alpine road”) as the road is officially known, twists and turns through 36 switchbacks to reach an altitude of just over 2500 meters (8215 feet). It’s a formidable climb overall, but the last kilometer or so rises up to a 12% grade on cobblestones. It’s sure to get your attention! Dinner will be on your own in town. Ride: 125 km (80 miles) with 2720 m (8924 feet) of climbing.

DAY 6
Even with the biggest day of climbing behind us, your Austrian bike tour is still not at an end. We’ve planned a fun, challenging and scenic loop for you today, over the Dientnersattel. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a afternoon at the hotel or get in some shopping. Our farewell dinner will be tonight together at the hotel. Ride: 54 km (34 miles) with 1225 m (4019 feet) of climbing.

DAY 7
After breakfast, we’ll say “auf wiedersehen” and shuttle back to Salzburg.

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